Did you know what you wanted to do when you grew up when you were about ten or eleven years old? Neither do most people. But for a group of extraordinary children, Havana Middle School provided a tour guide and opportunities for making some lifetime decisions this summer during its inaugural advanced summer learning courses called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

“The summer school population is not usually academically perfect, but these students didn’t need to ‘catch up,’” said science technologist Angela Sapp, a 30-year educator who took on the STEM program for its first run.

The six-weeks-long program offered a glimpse into a future in the STEM fields, studying everything from how bridges can be made to withstand earthquakes to solar cooking. Two classes, the 5th and 8th grades, were selected for the program, said Sapp. “The investment made here will not be wasted,” she said.

A total of six teachers took part in the program: “You can’t pay a teacher what he or she is worth - they’re priceless,” said Sapp. The two classes had joint labs for their projects.

Sapp and a consultant, Dr. Tawainga Katsvairo, wrote the grant that Terra funded. During the summer academy students studied biomass, wind energy, hydrogen fuel, wave energy, biodiversity, ecosystems and careers in renewable energy, along with solar cooking, building for earthquakes and more. A total of 60 students were enrolled. “For six weeks, these kids have been busier than most in summer,” said Sapp.

STEM director Angela Sapp

Students spoke about their experience, calling it an amazing opportunity. “I will never forget the teachers,” said one. “These projects have allowed me to be creative in several occupations,” said another.

Technology was included in each day’s lessons, said Sapp. Each student was given a copy of the slideshow presented during the graduation ceremony held Wednesday, July 17th for their portfolio.

The opportunity was made possible through grants from the Gadsden County school district and sponsors, and one group, TERRA, gave $29,000 to aid the program. Talquin Electric was also a supporter, Sapp said.

The group took several field trips within a 22-mile radius, including one to the FAMU viticulture program and another to the Jim Woodruff Dam in Chattahoochee.

“These companies were willing to risk little kids coming into their workplace so they could learn,” said the teacher.

“This has been a fantastic partnership,” said Sapp about the program and its sponsoring organizations. “We want it to keep growing. This is our future! Why not put our children first?”

“This is how to close the gap. This is such an opportunity for our students,” said deputy superintendent Roslynn Smith. “It’s a privilege to stand here and participate in this program and watch these students. A school is no greater than the community it serves.”